Marlene Kaplan Office of Education and Sustainable Development

The Challenge To Create an Environmental Literacy, Outreach and Education Program

Education is not new to NOAA Long-standing legislative mandates: Sea Grant, Estuarine Reserves, Marine Sanctuaries, NWS New programs: OE, EPP/MSI

The NOAA Program Review Created the Office of Education and Sustainable Development Created NOAA Council System, including Education Council Advocated a percentage of program funding be dedicated to education

NOAA Strategic Plan X-Cutting Priorities 1.Integrated global environmental observation and data management system; 2.Environmental literacy, outreach and education; 3.Sound, state-of-the-art research; 4.International cooperation and collaboration; 5.Homeland security; and 6.Organizational excellence.

Terms of Reference ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY For NOAA, environmental literacy means having a fundamental understanding of the natural world and the relationships and interactions between the living and non-living environment. An environmentally literate person has acquired the necessary skills and expertise and has developed attitudes, motivations, and commitments to make informed decisions and to take responsible action. 6/18/03

Environmental Literacy Percent answering environmental knowledge questions correctly: Most common reason animal species become extinct – 70% Main cause of climate change – 45% Primary reason for worldwide reduction in ocean fish – 25% NEETF/ROPER Survey

Terms of Reference OUTREACH For NOAA, outreach means providing audiences beyond NOAA with information and materials that increase awareness of NOAA’s science, products, and services, to promote environmental stewardship, personal safety, and an improved economy. 6/18/03

Terms of Reference EDUCATION For NOAA, education means a process of informing and engaging particular audiences on topics relevant to the world's atmosphere, climate, oceans and coastal ecosystems to achieve greater environmental literacy, personal safety, and an improved economy. There are many possible audiences, such as students, educators, decision- makers, business persons and the general public. NOAA educational activities are based on NOAA sciences, services, and stewardships; systematic in design with clear goals, objectives and measurable outcomes; aligned, where appropriate, with state or national education standards; and designed to facilitate evaluation by a third party. NOAA education specifically excludes the training and professional development of NOAA employees. 6/18/03

Education Strategic Plan Goals Increase public use and understanding of NOAA data, resources and programs. Support education and outreach efforts that enhance environmental literacy and foster and informed public. Increase the number and diversity of people who choose education and careers that support NOAA’s mission.

Education Round Table Teachers need high quality education materials and professional development to use the materials. Materials need to be grade-specific and aligned with the national and state standards.

Education Council Role in PPBS PLANNING MARCH - SEPTEMBER Congres s Mission Policy Legal Mandates L/O Strategic Plans Mission Requirements Annual Strategic Guidance Memorandum (AGM) Strategic Direction & Priorities Constituents NOAA Strategic Plan BUDGETING FY DoC Budget Review OMB Review Decisions (Pass back) PRES. BUDGET CONGRESS APPROPRIATION EXECUTEEXECUTE BUDGETING FY Budget Preparation FEB - DECJAN-SEPT OCT Decisions (Pass back) PROGRAMMING FY/FY/FY/FY/FY Program Decision Memorandum (PDM) Program Assessment PROGRAMMING FY/FY/FY/FY/FY SEPTEMBER - JANUARY PA&E Evaluation Program Plans Fiscal & Programming Guidance

Next Steps Finalize Strategic Plan and Implementation Plan Baseline Assessment Curricula Review and Development, including distribution and teacher training Build Capacity

Next Steps Ocean Commission OSTP/NSTC Legislation

Enhance NOAA Partnerships Additional expertise Stretch dollars Enhance the effort CORE, AMS, UCAR, AWS NSF, FEMA, NASA, USGS Aquaria, Science Museums Academia and education associations Media Foundations, NGO’s

Opportunities and Challenges Great interest in education Support from NOAA Leadership Build on existing programs and expertise Develop a unified plan Resolve funding issues